Log scaling system and related methods

ABSTRACT

An automated log scaling system and associated methods are disclosed. In the system and methods, one or more imagers may capture depictions of respective first ends and/or second ends of a plurality of logs, and use the captured depictions to scale the plurality of logs. A diameter value for each end of the log may be determined using the captured depictions. Relative location values for each captured end may be determined and used to form a length of each log. Information captured in the images is used to identify the type of tree or species of tree for each log. At least one of the diameter values may be multiplied by the determined log length, and the resulting product value may be compared to values in a log scaling chart to determine a value for the log. The value of multiple logs may be used to form a load of logs for distribution.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to log scaling systems and,more particularly, new automated log scaling systems and associatedmethods.

BACKGROUND Description of the Related Art

Log scaling provides important information for the sale and distributionof logs by detailing the amount of usable lumber a log can provide byassigning a value to the log. Unfortunately, prior art log scalingtechniques are more cumbersome, more time consuming, and less accuratethan desired. This information can facilitate the distribution of logsto lumber mills and other producers who take in logs in order to producelumber materials and/or finished wood products. By determining theamount of usable lumber a log may contain, a sufficient number of logsmay be shipped to each producer to meet the needs of the producerwithout supplying the producer with too many logs for their needs.

Traditionally, log scaling has occurred at some point proximate to wherethe log is harvested. In some instances, log scaling may occur in thefield at the point where the log is harvested, but doing so is expensiveand could impact the speed at which harvested logs are shipped. In otherinstances, logs may be scaled at a central location that is proximateeither to a number of harvesting locations and/or along a shipping routebetween the harvesting locations and a distribution or shipping pointfor logs. In such a situation, specialty trailers (e.g., truck, train,ship, or the like) may haul a load of logs to the central scalinglocation and dump the logs at that location to be scaled at some laterpoint in time, allowing the transporter to proceed to picking up anotherload of logs.

Log scaling has traditionally been a labor intensive process that triesto provide a value for the “board-feet” of each the log. Log harvesters,lumber mills, and others in the logging and lumber industry may use theboard-feet value to determine the amount of usable lumber that a log mayprovide. The logs may then be formed into a load that may be distributedto lumber mills and other purchasers to fulfill purchase orders for aparticular amount of lumber. The traditional process, whether carriedout at the harvesting location, at a central log scaling facility, or atsome other location, is time and labor intensive, and introduces asignificant amount of overhead and delay in the shipment anddistribution of logs.

There is a continuing need to provide a way to scale logs without timeand labor intensity, and without the traditionally significant amountsof overhead and delay in the shipment and distribution of logs.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The following is a summary of the present disclosure in order to providea basic understanding of some features and context. This summary is notintended to identify key or critical elements of the disclosure or todelineate the scope of the disclosure. Its sole purpose is to presentsome concepts of the present disclosure in simplified form as a preludeto a more detailed description that is presented later.

An automated system for determining the diameter and/or length of one ormore logs may facilitate the quick distribution of logs to lumber millsand other purchasers. Such an automated system may be used to morequickly and efficiently form loads of logs that may be distributed tomeet the needs of a plurality of purchasers. In addition, such anautomated system may be used to quickly and efficiently distributeharvesting information to entities along a supply line between theharvesting of the log and the manufacture of a final product using theresulting lumber from the log. Such information may be provided almostinstantaneously at a location close to where the log is harvested, andmay thereby be used by entities along the supply chain to plan for thedelivery and distribution of the logs and lumber products. Such anautomated system may further be used for the more efficient distributionof logs to various producers and lumber mills.

A method to scale pluralities of logs loaded on one or more transporttrailers, each log of the pluralities of logs having a first end and asecond end separated by a length of the respective log, may besummarized as including for each of the one or more transport trailers,capturing, by a first imager, a first image of the plurality of logs,the first image including a depiction of the first end of each log ofthe plurality of logs; capturing, by a second imager, a second image ofthe plurality of logs, the second image including a depiction of thesecond end of each log of the plurality of logs; and with at least oneprocessor: generating a load identifier for each load of logs on arespective one of the one or more transport trailers; generating a logidentifier for each log of the plurality of logs; determining a firstdiameter value for the first end of each log based upon the depiction ofthe first end of each respective log in the first image; determining asecond diameter value for the second end of each log based upon thedepiction of the second end of each respective log in the second image;determining, based at least in part upon one of the first and seconddiameter values, a board-feet value for each log of the plurality oflogs in each of the one or more transport trailers; storing, in adatabase, the first and second images associated with each of the one ormore transport trailers, the load identifier for each load of logs, thelog identifier for each log of the plurality of logs, the first andsecond diameter values associated with each log of the plurality of logsin each of the one or more transport trailers, and the board-feet valuefor each log of the plurality of logs in each of the one or moretransport trailers; accumulating a plurality of board-feet values toform a load of logs for distribution; and grouping a plurality ofidentifiers to form a distribution load, the plurality of identifiersdrawn from the log identifiers and load identifiers stored in thedatabase, the distribution load representing an accumulation ofboard-feet values within a determined acceptable range of a targetedtotal board-feet value.

The method may further include determining, by the at least oneprocessor, a length value for at least one log, wherein determining theboard-feet value for the at least one log is based at least in part uponat least one of the determined first and second diameter values and uponthe determined length value of the at least one log.

The method may further include capturing, by a second imager, a secondimage of the plurality of logs, the second image including a depictionof the second end of the at least one log in the plurality of logs,wherein determining the length value further includes determining thelength value for the at least one log based at least upon the firstimage and the second image.

The method may further include transmitting a first signal towards thefirst end of the plurality of logs; receiving a first reflected signalresulting from a reflection of the first signal off of the first end ofthe at least one log; determining, by the at least one processor, afirst location value for the first end of the at least one log;transmitting a second signal towards the second end of the plurality oflogs; receiving a second reflected signal resulting from a reflection ofthe second signal off of the second end of the at least one log; anddetermining, by the at least one processor, a second location value forthe second end of the at least one log, wherein determining the lengthvalue of the at least one log is based at least in part on the firstlocation value and the second location value.

The method may further include receiving a first signal that includes afirst identifier, the first identifier which is associated with the atleast one log, wherein generating the log identifier for each log of theplurality of logs is based at least in part upon the first identifier;storing, by the at least one processor, a first data record on acomputer readable medium, the first data record that includes at leastthe first identifier and the determined board-feet value for the atleast one log; and transmitting a second signal that includes the firstdata record.

Receiving the first signal may further include receiving a firstwireless signal transmitted from a first wireless tag that is physicallycoupled to the at least one log, the first wireless signal encoding thefirst identifier.

Receiving the first signal may further include receiving one or moresignals representative of an image-based machine-readable symbol thatappears on the at least one log and encodes the first identifierassociated with the at least one log.

The at least one log may be comprised of a lumber component and an outerbark component, and determining the diameter value for the at least onelog may further include determining a total width value for the at leastone log; determining a bark width value for the at least one log usingthe at least first image, the bark width value which is based on theouter bark component; and determining the diameter value for the atleast one log based at least in part on the total width value and thebark width value for the at least one log.

The method may further include receiving a tree-type information relatedto the at least one log, the tree-type information identifying one outof a plurality of types of trees, wherein determining the board-feetvalue for the at least one log is further based upon the tree-typeinformation.

A log scaling system to scale a plurality of logs that are arrangedwithin a transport trailer, each log within the plurality of logsincluding a first end and a second end separated by a length of therespective log, may be summarized as including a first imager thatcaptures a first image, the first image which depicts the first end ofat least one log in the plurality of logs; at least one processor; andat least one nontransitory processor-readable storage devicecommunicatively coupled to the at least one processor and that storesprocessor-executable instructions which, when executed by the at leastone processor, cause the at least one processor to: determine a diametervalue for the at least one log based upon the depiction of the first endof the at least one log in the first image; and determine, based atleast in part upon the diameter value, a board-feet value for the atleast one log.

The log scaling system may further include a second imager that capturesa second image, the second image which depicts the second end of the atleast one log in the plurality of logs, wherein the at least onenontransitory processor-readable storage device storesprocessor-executable instructions which, when executed by the at leastone processor, cause the at least one processor to further determine alength value for the at least one log based upon the first image and thesecond image, and determine the board-feet value for the at least onelog based at least in part upon the determined diameter value and thedetermined length value of the at least one log.

The log scaling system may further include a third imager that capturesa third image, wherein the first image and the third image collectivelyprovide at least one non-obstructed depiction of each first end for eachlog in the plurality of logs.

The log scaling system may further include a first range finder thatgenerates a signal representative of a range between the first rangefinder and the first end of the at least one log in the plurality oflogs, wherein the at least one nontransitory processor-readable storagedevice stores processor-executable instructions which, when executed bythe at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to furtherreceive the signal from the first range finder; and determine thediameter value for the at least one log based upon the depiction of thefirst end of the at least one log in the first image and based upon thereceived signal representative of the range between the first rangefinder and the first end of the at least one log.

The log scaling system may further include a second range finder thatgenerates a signal representative of a range between the second rangefinder and the second end of the at least one log in the plurality oflogs, wherein the at least one nontransitory processor-readable storagedevice stores processor-executable instructions which, when executed bythe at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to furtherreceive the signal from the second range finder; determine a firstlocation value for the first end of the at least one log in theplurality of logs based upon the received signal from the first rangefinder; determine a second location value for the second end of the atleast one log in the plurality of logs based upon the received signalfrom the second range finder; and determine a length value for the atleast one log based upon the first location value and the secondlocation value.

The at least one nontransitory processor-readable storage device maystore processor-executable instructions which, when executed by the atleast one processor, may cause the at least one processor to furtherdetermine the board-feet value for the at least one log based at leastin part upon the determined diameter value and the determined lengthvalue of the at least one log.

The log scaling system may further include a wireless receiver thatreceives a signal transmitted from a wireless transmitter that isphysically coupled to the at least one log, wherein the transmittedsignal encodes a first identifier for the at least one log, wherein theat least one nontransitory processor-readable storage device storesprocessor-executable instructions which, when executed by the at leastone processor, cause the at least one processor to further store on theat least one nontransitory processor-readable storage device a firstdata record that includes at least the first identifier and thedetermined board-feet value for the at least one log.

The at least one nontransitory processor-readable storage device maystore processor-executable instructions which, when executed by the atleast one processor, may cause the at least one processor to furtherstore the first image of the plurality of logs as part of the first datarecord.

In some embodiments, the log scaling distribution system includes a logscaling system, a first display, at least one processor, and at leastone non-transitory processor-readable storage device communicativelycoupled to the at least one processor and that storesprocessor-executable instructions. The log scaling system scales aplurality of logs that are arranged within a transport trailer. The logscaling system includes a first imager that captures a first image. Thefirst image depicts the first end of each log in the plurality of logs.The log scaling system determines a diameter value for each of the logsbased upon the depiction of the first end of each log in the firstimage. When executed by the at least one processor, theprocessor-executable instructions cause the at least one processor to:determine a first value for each of the plurality of logs, the firstvalue which is based at least in part upon the diameter value for eachlog and which is in a first log rule standard; and transmit an aggregatevalue to be depicted on the first display, the aggregate value which isbased upon the first values determined for each of the plurality oflogs.

In another aspect of some embodiments, the log scaling distributionsystem further includes a second display which is located remotely fromthe first display and which transmits a first message that includes anorder for a load of logs, the order including an order value based uponat least one of the first log rule standard or a second log rulestandard, the second display which receives a second message thatincludes a purchase value for the ordered load of logs. In still anotheraspect of some embodiments of the log scaling distribution system, theat least one processor receives the order for the load of logs in whichthe order value is based upon the second log rule standard. The at leastone processor further executes processor-executable instructions thatcause the at least one processor to: convert the order value from thesecond log rule standard to a converted order value that is based uponthe first log rule standard; identify one or more logs from theplurality of logs scaled by the log scaling system based upon theconverted order value; and determine the purchase value for the orderbased at least in part upon the first values determined for each log inthe identified one or more logs.

In yet another aspect of some embodiments of the log scalingdistribution system, the purchase value is depicted on the first displayand on the second display. The at least one processor executesprocessor-executable instructions that cause the at least one processorto: receive a first acceptance message from the first display, the firstacceptance message including an indication from a logging entityagreeing to the purchase value; receive a second acceptance message fromthe second display, the second acceptance message including anindication from a purchasing entity agreeing to the purchase value; andin response to receiving the first acceptance message and the secondacceptance message, transmit an order fulfillment message that causesthe identified one or more logs to be grouped into a distribution loadof logs.

In another aspect of some embodiments of the log scaling distributionsystem, each of the logs in the plurality of logs is associated with alog identifier. The log identifier is physically coupled the associatedlog, the log scaling distribution system further includes: a thirdterminal located remotely from the first terminal and the secondterminal, the third terminal which receives the order fulfillmentmessage, and in response, displays one or more log identifiersassociated with one or more logs in the distribution load of logs.

In still another aspect of some embodiments of the log scalingdistribution system, the at least one processor executesprocessor-executable instructions that cause the at least one processorto: associate a distribution load identifier with the distribution loadof logs. In yet another aspect of some embodiments of the log scalingdistribution system, the order fulfillment message further includes thedistribution load identifier and a delivery location for thedistribution load of logs, the log scaling distribution system furthercomprising: a fourth display, the fourth display associated with atransport trailer, the fourth display which depicts the deliverylocation for the distribution load of logs. In some embodiments of thelog scaling distribution system, the order fulfillment message causesthe identified one or more logs in the distribution load of logs to beloaded onto the transport trailer associated with the fourth display.

A log scaling system to scale a plurality of logs, each log within theplurality of logs including a first end and a second end separated by alength of the log may be summarized as including one or more sensorsthat capture at least a first image and a second image, the first imagedepicting the first end of at least one log in the plurality of logs,and the second image depicting the second end of at least one log in theplurality of logs; one or more processors; and one or more nontransitoryprocessor-readable storage devices communicatively coupled to the one ormore processors and that store processor-executable instructions which,when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or moreprocessors to: determine a first end diameter value for the at least onelog based upon the depiction of the first end of the at least one log inthe first image; determine a second end diameter value for the at leastone log based upon the depiction of the second end of the at least onelog in the second image; determine a length for the at least one logbased at least in part on the first image and the second image of the atleast one log; and determine, based at least in part upon the first enddiameter value, the second end diameter value, and the length of the atleast one log, a board-feet value for the at least one log.

The one or more sensors may include at least a first end sensor and asecond end sensor. The one or more sensors may be positioned on one ormore mobile stands. The one or more mobile stands may include one ormore vertical motorized sliders. The one or more mobile stands mayinclude one or more horizontal motorized sliders. The one or more mobilestands may be one or more tripods. At least one of the one or moresensors may acquire Lidar data. At least one of the one or more sensorsmay acquire stereo data. The Lidar data and the stereo data may be fusedby the log scaling system. Data from the first image depicting the firstend of at least one log in the plurality of logs and data from thesecond image depicting the second end of at least one log in theplurality of logs may be used to detect log locations and determine acount of the logs. Data from the first image depicting the first end ofat least one log in the plurality of logs and data from the second imagedepicting the second end of at least one log in the plurality of logsmay be used to segment logs and measure the diameters of the logs. Datafrom the first image depicting the first end of at least one log in theplurality of logs and data from the second image depicting the secondend of at least one log in the plurality of logs may be used match twoends of each log.

A log scaling method to scale a plurality of logs, each log within theplurality of logs including a first end and a second end separated by alength of the log may be summarized as including using one or moresensor systems to capture at least a first image and a second image, thefirst image depicting the first end of at least one log in the pluralityof logs, the second image depicting the second end of at least one login the plurality of logs, the one or more sensor systems each includingone or more sensors, one or more processors, and one or morenontransitory processor-readable storage devices communicatively coupledto the one or more processors that store processor-executableinstructions thereon; determining a first end diameter value for the atleast one log based upon the depiction of the first end of the at leastone log in the first image; determining a second end diameter value forthe at least one log based upon the depiction of the second end of theat least one log in the second image; determining a length for the atleast one log based at least in part on the first image and the secondimage of the at least one log; and calculating, based at least in partupon the first end diameter value, the second end diameter value, andthe length of the at least one log, a board-feet value for the at leastone log.

The one or more sensor systems may include at least a first end sensorand a second end sensor. The one or more sensors may be positioned onone or more mobile stands. The one or more mobile stands may include oneor more vertical motorized sliders. The one or more mobile stands mayinclude one or more horizontal motorized sliders. The one or more mobilestands may be one or more tripods. At least one of the one or moresensors may acquire Lidar data. At least one of the one or more sensorsmay acquire stereo data. The Lidar data and the stereo data may be fusedby the log scaling system.

The log scaling method may further include detecting log locations anddetermining a count of the logs using data from the first imagedepicting the first end of at least one log in the plurality of logs anddata from the second image depicting the second end of at least one login the plurality of logs.

The log scaling method may further include segmenting logs and measuringthe diameters of the logs data from the first image depicting the firstend of at least one log in the plurality of logs and data from thesecond image depicting the second end of at least one log in theplurality of logs.

The log scaling may further include matching two ends of each log usingdata from the first image depicting the first end of at least one log inthe plurality of logs and data from the second image depicting thesecond end of at least one log in the plurality of logs.

These features, with other technological improvements that will becomesubsequently apparent, reside in the details of construction andoperation as more fully described hereafter and claimed, reference beinghad to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, identical reference numbers identify similar elementsor acts. The sizes and relative positions of elements in the drawingsare not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the shapes of variouselements and angles are not drawn to scale, and some of these elementsare sized (e.g., enlarged, reduced, or otherwise changed) and positionedto improve drawing legibility. Further, the particular shapes of theelements as drawn, alone or in relationship to other elements, are notintended to convey any information regarding the actual shape of theparticular elements, and have been solely selected for ease ofrecognition in the drawings.

FIG. 1A is an isometric view of a log scaling system on which ispositioned a truck and associated transport trailer, according to atleast one illustrated implementation.

FIG. 1B is an isometric view of a log scaling system in which rearimagers and forward imagers are independently positionable onindependent stands that are positioned around a stack of logs, accordingto at least one illustrated implementation.

FIG. 1C is a side view of a log scaling system in which rear imagers andforward imagers are independently positionable on independent standsthat are positioned around a stack of logs on the bed of a truck,according to at least one illustrated implementation.

FIG. 1D is a perspective view of a log scaling system in which a left 3Dsensor is mounted on a stand with vertical and horizontal motorizedsliders and a right 3D sensor is mounted on a stand with vertical andhorizontal motorized sliders that are independently positionable arounda stack of logs, according to at least one illustrated implementation.

FIG. 2A is a top plan view of a log scaling system on which ispositioned a truck and associated transport trailer, according to atleast one illustrated implementation.

FIG. 2B is a top plan view of the log scaling system on which ispositioned another truck, an associated first transport trailer, and anassociated second transport trailer, according to at least oneillustrated implementation.

FIG. 3A is a depiction of an image captured by an imager, in which theimage provides a left side isometric view of a first end of a pluralityof logs, according to at least one illustrated implementation.

FIG. 3B is a depiction of an image captured by an imager, in which theimage provides a right side isometric view of the first end of theplurality of logs shown in FIG. 3A, according to at least oneillustrated implementation.

FIG. 3C is a depiction of an image captured by an imager, in which theimage provides a left side isometric view of a second end of a pluralityof logs, according to at least one illustrated implementation.

FIG. 3D is a depiction of an image captured by an imager, in which theimage provides a right side isometric view of the second end of theplurality of logs shown in FIG. 3C, according to at least oneillustrated implementation.

FIG. 4 is an isometric exterior view of a block diagram of a computerthat may be used by a customer, a provider, and/or a third party forscaling a plurality of logs, according to at least one illustratedimplementation.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram that illustrates scaling a plurality of logsloaded onto one or more transport trailers, according to at least oneillustrated implementation.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram that illustrates scaling a plurality of logsloaded onto one or more transport trailers, according to at least oneillustrated implementation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the inventiveconcept, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.The accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In thefollowing detailed description, numerous specific details are set forthto enable a thorough understanding of the inventive concept. It shouldbe understood, however, that persons having ordinary skill in the artmay practice the inventive concept without these specific details. Inother instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, circuits,and networks have not been described in detail so as not tounnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments.

In the following description, certain specific details are set forth inorder to provide a thorough understanding of various disclosedembodiments. However, one skilled in the relevant art will recognizethat embodiments may be practiced without one or more of these specificdetails, or with other methods, components, materials, and the like. Inother instances, certain structures associated with log scaling such asinspection/weighing points, trucks, trains, boats, transportationtrailers, wired and wireless communications protocols, wired andwireless transceivers, radios, communications ports, geolocation, andoptimized route mapping algorithms have not been shown or described indetail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring descriptions of the embodiments.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “anembodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristicdescribed in connection with the embodiment is included in at least oneembodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or“in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification arenot necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, theparticular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined inany suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification andclaims which follow, the word “comprise” and variations thereof, suchas, “comprises” and “comprising” are to be construed in an open,inclusive sense, that is as “including, but not limited to.” As used inthis specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,”“an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearlydictates otherwise. It should also be noted that the term “or” isgenerally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the contentclearly dictates otherwise. The headings and Abstract of the Disclosureprovided herein are for convenience only and do not interpret the scopeor meaning of the embodiments.

FIG. 1A shows a log scaling system 100 on which is positioned a truck102 and associated transport trailer 104, according to at least oneillustrated implementation. A plurality of logs 106 may be loaded on thetransport trailer 104, which may be physically coupled to and pulled bythe truck 102. The plurality of logs 106 may together form a load 107 oflogs. The transport trailer 104 may be adapted to carry the load 107 oflogs 106. For example, the transport trailer 104 may be comprised of aframe that includes two or more sets of opposing posts 108 that are setacross the width of the truck in which each of the plurality of logs 106is positioned between each set of opposing posts 108. Each of theplurality of logs 106 may include a first end 110 located distal thetruck 102, and an opposing second end 112 located proximate the truck102, in which the first end 110 and the second end 112 of eachrespective log 106 are separated by a length 114.

The plurality of logs 106 may be arranged within the transport trailer104 in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns as illustrated inFIG. 1A to simplify the illustration and associated discussion. Theconcepts described herein, however, are not so limited, and it isrecognized that the plurality of logs 106 may be generally parallel, butnot exactly parallel. For example, in some implementations, many of thelogs may be askew. In some implementations, one or more of the logs 106in the plurality of logs 106 may be de-limbed. In some implementations,one or more of the logs 106 in the plurality of logs may have an outerlayer of bark that has not been removed from the one or more logs 106.

The log scaling system 100 may include a pad 101, one or more rearimagers 116 a, 116 b (collectively, “rear imagers 116”), and/or one ormore forward imagers 118 a, 118 b (collectively, “forward imagers 118”).The pad 101 may be sized and dimensioned such that the truck 102 andtrailer 104 may be selectively driven onto and/or off of the pad 101. Insome implementations, the pad 101 may include one or more markingsand/or structures that may be used to position the truck 102 and/ortrailer 104 on the pad 101 so that the logs 106 may be scaled. In someimplementations, the structure on the pad 101 may include, for example,a bump that the tires of the truck 102 and/or trailer 104 roll over. Insome implementations, the pad 101 may be used to take furthermeasurements of the truck 102 and/or trailer 104. Such furthermeasurements may include, for example, a measurement of the weight ofthe items on the pad 101.

Referring now to FIGS. 1B and 1C, some embodiments of the log scalingsystem 100 are mobile and do not include a pad 101. Instead, the rearimagers 116 and the forward imagers 118 are independently positionableor mountable on independent stands 117 or mounts that may be positionedaround a stack of logs 106, as shown in FIG. 1B. In some suchembodiments, the truck 102 does not have to drive onto or into the logscaling system 100, but rather the independently positionable rearimagers 116 and forward imagers 118 are positioned around the truck 102,as shown in FIG. 1C. In some embodiment, the rear imagers 116 andforward imagers 118 of the log scaling system 100 are positioned insideof a fixed structure, such as a building, roof structure, or tent. Inother embodiments, the rear imagers 116 and forward imagers 118 of thelog scaling system 100 are positioned outdoors. In some embodiments ofthe log scaling system 100 that incorporate independent stands 117 ormounts for the rear imagers 116 and forward imagers 118, the log scalingsystem 100 further incorporates an indexing system that calibrates thepositions of the rear imagers 116 and forward imagers 118 with respectto one another. In other aspects of some implementations, other types ofgeolocation technology may be incorporated, such as GPS (GlobalPositioning Systems), satellites-based location determination systems,and the like. As shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C, in some embodiments the logscaling system 100 that are mobile, the independently positionable rearimagers 116 and forward imagers 118 are connected wirelessly to acomputer 119 that processes the log scaling data after images have beentaken and transmitting by the rear imagers 116 and forward imagers 118.In other embodiments, the independently positionable rear imagers 116and forward imagers 118 have a wired connection to a computer 119 thatprocesses the log scaling data after images have been taken andtransmitting by the rear imagers 116 and forward imagers 118.

In other embodiments of the log scaling system 100, the imagers/sensorsare independently positionable on mounts that incorporate extendable andretractable arms with one or more joints and rotation points that holdthe imagers/sensors. In such embodiments, the mounts do not need to bemoved between the scaling of different loads 107 of logs 106 since theextendable and retractable arms are able to move the imagers/sensorsinto proper position to obtain images and/or sensor readings for eachconsecutive load 107 of logs 106 without moving the mounts.

In another aspect of some embodiments, additional lights are included inthe log scaling system 100 to enable the rear imagers 116 and forwardimagers 118 of the log scaling system 100 to obtain clear readings ofthe one or more logs 106. The additional lights may be included in someembodiments of the log scaling system 100 that are inside of a fixedstructure to overcome or alleviate poor or uneven artificial lightingconditions inside the fixed structure. Correspondingly, the additionallights may be included in some embodiments of the log scaling system 100that are outside of any fixed structure to overcome or alleviate poor oruneven natural lighting conditions outside of any fixed structure.Furthermore, in some embodiments of the log scaling system 100 theimagers are three dimensional (3-D) sensors.

In still another aspect of some embodiments, the log scaling system 100is mobile as opposed to fixed. In some embodiments of the log scalingsystem 100 that are mobile, the log scaling system 100 includes one ormore power sources (e.g., batteries) as well as satellite, cellular, orother wireless connectivity. In some embodiments, a single independentlypositionable 3-D sensor on a stand 117 (e.g., a tripod stand, as shownin FIGS. 1B and 1C) may be moved to multiple positions around the stackof logs 106 so that only one or two independently positionable 3-Dsensors are needed, instead of four or more fixed sensors or imagers.

Referring now to FIG. 1D, in yet another aspect of some embodiments, themobile log scaling system 100 includes a first end 3D sensor 150 and asecond end 3D sensor 160 that are each mounted to stands 170 and 180.Each stand has two motorized sliders (horizontal sliders 172 and 182,and vertical sliders 174 and 184) that move in both vertical directionsand horizontal directions to capture any views for the logs from thevertical plane created by the stands 170 and 180 with the motorizedsliders. Specifically, in one or more embodiments of the log scalingsystem 100, the first end 3D sensor 150 is operatively associated with afirst end stand 170 having a horizontal motorized slider 172 that movesthe first end 3D sensor 150 in a horizontal direction. Additionally, thefirst end 3D sensor 150 is also operatively associated with a verticalmotorized slider 174 of the first end stand 170 that moves the first end3D sensor 150 in a vertical direction. Correspondingly, in one or moreembodiments of the log scaling system 100, the second end 3D sensor 160is operatively associated with a second end stand 180 having ahorizontal motorized slider 182 that moves the second end 3D sensor 160in a horizontal direction. Additionally, the second end 3D sensor 160 isalso operatively associated with a vertical motorized slider 184 thatmove that moves the second end 3D sensor 160 in a vertical direction.

The transport trailer 104 may be positioned along the log scaling system100 such that the one or more rear imagers 116 a may be positioned tocapture images of the first end 110 of one or more logs 106 in theplurality of logs. For example, the left rear imager 116 a may capture adepiction of the first end 110 of the plurality of logs 106 from a left,rear vantage point. In some implementations, the left rear imager 116 amay be positioned at a height that is relatively at or above a top row120 of the plurality of logs 106. In some implementations, the left rearimager 116 a may be positioned at a height that is relatively at orbelow a bottom row 122 of the plurality of logs 106. In someimplementations, the left rear imager 116 a may be positioned at aheight that is relatively between the top row 120 and the bottom row 122of the plurality of logs. In some implementations, the left rear imager116 a may have a selectively adjustable height. For example, the leftrear imager 116 a may be coupled to a post 124 that has a selectivelyadjustable height. In such an implementation, the height of the leftrear imager 116 a may be selectively adjusted. As such, the left rearimager 116 a may capture a plurality of depictions of the first end 110of the plurality of logs 106, with each depiction being captured at adifferent height.

The right rear imager 116 b may capture a depiction of the first end 110of the plurality of logs 106 from a right, rear vantage point. In someimplementations, the right rear imager 116 b may be positioned at aheight that is relatively at or above the top row 120 of the pluralityof logs 106. In some implementations, the right rear imager 116 b may bepositioned at a height that is relatively at or below the bottom row 122of the plurality of logs 106. In some implementations, the right rearimager 116 b may be positioned at a height that is relatively betweenthe top row 120 and the bottom row 122 of the plurality of logs. In someimplementations, the right rear imager 116 b may have a selectivelyadjustable height. For example, the right rear imager 116 b may becoupled to a post 126 that has a selectively adjustable height. In suchan implementation, the height of the right rear imager 116 b may beselectively adjusted. As such, the right rear imager 116 b may capture aplurality of images of the first end 110 of the plurality of logs, witheach image being captured at a different height.

The images of the first end 110 of the plurality of logs 106 captured byone or both of the rear imagers 116 may be used to determine a value fora diameter 128 for the first end(s) 110 of one or more of the pluralityof logs 106. In some implementations, the value for the diameter 128 forthe first end 110 of a log 106 may be based upon a measured ordetermined distance between opposing sides of the first end 110 of thelog 106. As discussed below, the value for the diameter 128 may be basedupon the depictions of the first ends 110 of the plurality of logs 106captured by one or more of the rear imagers 116. In someimplementations, for example, the value for the diameter 128 for thefirst end of a log 106 may be based a number of pixels separatingopposing sides of the log within one of the images captured by one ofthe rear imagers 116, in which each pixel is determined to extend acrossa defined length.

In some implementations, the defined length for a pixel may be modifiedbased upon a distance between the rear imager 116 and the first end 110of the log 106. Such a distance may be based, for example, on a focallength of the imager 116. In some implementations, one or more rangefinders 134 may be used to determine a range or distance between one ormore of the rear imagers 116 and the first end 110 of one or more of thelogs 106. In some implementations, for example, the range finder 134 mayuse a time-of-flight measurement to detect the distance between therange finder 134 and an object, such as the first end 110 of the logs106. Thus, for example, the defined length of a pixel may increase asthe distance between the imager 116 and the first end 110 of the log 106increases. In some implementations, the value for the diameter 128 forthe first end 110 of a log 106 may be based upon depictions of the firstend 110 of the log 106 captured in a plurality of images taken by one orboth of the rear imagers 116. Such a value for the diameter 128 of thefirst end 110 of the log 106 may be used to determine a board-feet valuefor the log 106.

The transport trailer 104 may be positioned along the log scaling system100 such that the one or more forward imagers 118 may be positioned tocapture images of the second end 112 of one or more logs 106 in theplurality of logs. For example, the left forward imager 118 a maycapture a depiction of the second end 112 of the plurality of logs 106from a left, forward vantage point. In some implementations, the leftforward imager 118 a may be positioned at a height that is relatively ator above the top row 120 of the plurality of logs 106. In someimplementations, the left forward imager 118 a may be positioned at aheight that is relatively at or below the bottom row 122 of theplurality of logs 106. In some implementations, the left forward imager118 a may be positioned at a height that is relatively between the toprow 120 and the bottom row 122 of the plurality of logs. In someimplementations, the left forward imager 118 a may have a selectivelyadjustable height. For example, the left forward imager 118 a may becoupled to an arm 130 that may be selectively rotatable about one ormore axes of rotation. In such an implementation, the height and/orlateral position of the left forward imager 118 a may be selectivelyadjusted. As such, the left forward imager 118 a may capture a pluralityof depictions of the second end 112 of the plurality of logs 106, witheach depiction being captured at a different height.

The right forward imager 118 b may capture a depiction of the second end112 of the plurality of logs 106 from a right, forward vantage point. Insome implementations, the right forward imager 118 b may be positionedat a height that is relatively at or above the top row 120 of theplurality of logs 106. In some implementations, the right forward imager118 b may be positioned at a height that is relatively at or below thebottom row 122 of the plurality of logs 106. In some implementations,the right forward imager 118 b may be positioned at a height that isrelatively between the top row 120 and the bottom row 122 of theplurality of logs 106. In some implementations, the right forward imager118 b may have a selectively adjustable height. For example, the rightrear imager 116 b may be coupled to an arm 132 that may be selectivelyrotatable about one or more axis of rotation. In such an implementation,the height and/or lateral position of the right forward imager 118 b maybe selectively adjusted. As such, the right forward imager 118 b maycapture a plurality of images of the second end 112 of the plurality oflogs 106, with each image being captured at a different height.

The images of the second end 112 of the plurality of logs 106 capturedby one or both of the forward imagers 118 may be used to determine avalue for a diameter (not shown) for the second end(s) 112 of one ormore of the plurality of logs 106. In some implementations, the valuefor the diameter for the second end 112 of a log 106 may be based upon ameasured or determined distance between opposing sides of the second endof the log 106. As discussed below, the value for the diameter of thesecond end 112 of the log 106 may be based upon the depictions of thesecond ends 112 of the plurality of logs 106 captured by one or more ofthe rear imagers 116. In some implementations, for example, the valuefor the diameter of the second end 112 of a log 106 may be based anumber of pixels separating opposing sides of the second end 112 of thelog 106 within one of the images captured by one of the rear imagers116, in which each pixel is determined to extend across a definedlength.

In some implementations, the defined length for a pixel may be modifiedbased upon a distance between the rear imager 116 and the first end 110of the log 106. Such a distance may be based, for example, on a focallength of the imager 116. In some implementations, one or more rangefinders may be used to determine a range or distance between one or moreof the forward imagers 118 and the first end 110 of one or more of thelogs 106, as discussed above. Thus, for example, the defined length of apixel may increase as the distance between the imager 116 and the secondend 112 of the log 106 increases. In some implementations, the value ofthe diameter for the second end 112 of the log 106 may be based upondepictions of the second end 112 of the log 106 captured in a pluralityof images taken by one or both of the forward imagers 118. Such adiameter value may be used to determine a board-feet value for the log106.

In some implementations, one or both of the rear imagers 116 and/or theforward imagers 118 may be used to determine a value for the length 114of one or more of the logs 106 in the plurality of logs. For example, insome implementations one or more of the rear imagers 116 and/or theforward imagers 118 may capture a depiction within one or more imagesthat shows a top portion 136 of one or more logs 106 in which the topportion 136 extends from the first end 110 of the log 106 to the secondend 112 of the log 106. In such an implementation, the depiction of thetop portion 136 of the log 106 may be used to determine a value for thelength 114 of the log 106 by, for example, counting the pixels betweenthe first end 110 and the second end 112 of the depiction of the log106.

In some implementations, images and measurements from one or more of therear imagers 116, the forward imagers 118, and/or the range finders 134may be used to determine the length 114 of the log 106 using relativecoordinate locations of the first end 110 and/or the second end 112 ofone or more of the logs 106. In such an implementation, for example, thedistances between and relative positions of each of the rear imagers 116and the forward imagers 118 may be known. As such, an offset between therear imager 116 and the first end 110 of each log 106 may be determined.Such an offset may be used to determine the position and/or coordinatesof the respective first ends 110 of each log 106 relative to the rearimager 116. Such an offset may be based upon the distance between therear imager 116 and the first end 110 of the log 106 (using, forexample, the focal length of the rear imager 116), as well as an angleat which the rear imager 116 is positioned relative to a line thatextends between the two rear imagers 116. Using the angle and distanceinformation, a relative location of the first end(s) 110 of one or morelogs 106 may be determined. In addition, an offset between the forwardimager 118 and the second end 112 of each log 106 may likewise bedetermined using, for example, focal length and angle informationinvolving the forward imager 118. Such an offset for the second end 112of the log 106 may be used to determine a position of the second end 112relative to the forward imager 118. Thus, the length 114 of each log 106may be determined based upon the relative position information for thefirst end 110 and the second end 112 of each log.

In some implementations, the log scaling system 100 may include awireless transceiver 138. Such a wireless transceiver 138 may be used,for example, to receive signals transmitted from one or more wirelesstags, such as wireless tags 140 that may be physically coupled, forexample, to one or more logs 106, to the truck 102, and/or to thetrailer 104. Such wireless tags 140 may be used to identify one or moreof the logs 106 individually. Such wireless tags 140 may be used toidentify a plurality or set of logs 106 as a group. Such wireless tags140 may be used to identify the truck 102 and/or driver.

In some implementations, the log scaling system 100 may include aprocessor-enabled controller 142 that may be communicatively coupled toone or more of the rear imagers 116, the forward imagers 118, the rangefinder(s) 134, and/or the wireless transceiver 138. Theprocessor-enabled controller 142 may be used to determine one or more ofthe diameter values, length value, and/or board-feet value, as discussedbelow, for one or more of the logs 106 included within the plurality oflogs being transported by the trailer 104. In some implementations, theprocessor-enabled controller 142 may be located proximate the pad 101.In some implementations, the processor-enabled controller 142 may beremoved from the pad 101, and may be communicatively coupled to thevarious other components of the log scaling system 100 via one or morecommunications networks. Such communications networks may be, forexample, one or more LANs and/or WANs, and may include well-known wiredor wireless enterprise-wide computer networks, intranets, extranets, andthe Internet. In some implementations, the processor-enabled controller142 may be communicatively coupled to a plurality of log scaling systems100.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show a log scaling system 200 that may be used to scalelogs on one or more types of truck and trailer configurations. As shownin FIG. 2A, for example, a first truck 202 and associated transporttrailer 204 are positioned on the log scaling system 200, whereas FIG.2B shows a second truck 206 and two associated trailers 208 a, 208 bthat are positioned on the log scaling system 200 in which a gap 222 ispresent between the two trailers 208 a and 208 b. The trailers 204 and208 a, 208 b may be used to transport a plurality of logs. The logscaling system 200 may include a pad 210, one or more rear imagers 212,and one or more forward imagers 214. In some implementations, the pad210, the rear imagers 212, and the forward imagers 214 may be similar tothe pad 101, the rear imagers 116, and the forward imagers 118 discussedabove.

In some implementations, the log scaling system 200 may include one ormore range finders 216 a, 216 b that may be used to determine a distancebetween the range finders 216 a, 216 b and the first end 110 and/or thesecond end 112, respectively, of one or more logs 106 in the pluralityof logs being transported on the trailers 208 a and/or 208 b, asdiscussed above with range finder. In such implementations, the rangefinders 216 a, 216 b may emit one or more signals 222 a, 222 b towardsthe first end 110 and/or the second end 112, respectively, of each log106. The range finders 216 a, 216 b may receive a reflected signal 224a, 224 b that has been reflected from the first end 110 and/or thesecond end 112, respectively, of one of the logs 106 in the plurality oflogs. The distance of the first end 110 and/or the second end 112 of thelog 106 from the range finders 216 a, 216 b may be determined, forexample, by using a time-of-flight determination. In someimplementations, the distance and direction between the range finders216 a, 216 b and the first end 110 and/or the second end 112 of the log106 may be used to determine a position of the first end 110 and/or thesecond end 112 of the log 106 relative to the range finders 216 a, 216b. Such a relative position may be used to determine a value for thelength 114 of one or more of the logs 106. For example, in someimplementations, the relative position data may be used to determine afirst coordinate value to be associated with the first end 110 of thelog 106 and a second coordinate value to be associated with the secondend 112 of the log 106. The value associated with the length 114 of thelog 106 may be determined based upon the first coordinate value and thesecond coordinate value.

The log scaling system 200 may include one or more presence detectors218 that may be used to detect a presence of an object on the pad 210.In some implementations, the presence detector 218 may transmit a lightor other signal and determine a presence of an object based uponreflection of the light or other signal that the presence detector 218receives. In such an implementation, the presence detector 218 may havea field-of-view 220 in which the presence detector 218 transmits thelight or other signal in a direction towards the pad 210. The presencedetector 218 may then detect a reflected signal when an object islocated on the pad 210 in the path of the light or other signal. In someimplementations, the set of presence detectors 218 may function togetherto determine the presence of an object. For example, in someimplementations, one of the presence detectors 218 may transmit a signallaterally across the pad 210 in the direction of the second presencedetector 218, which may be located on the opposite side of the pad 210.The second presence detector 218 may determine the presence based uponwhether it receives the signal transmitted by the first presencedetectors 218.

In some implementations, the presence detectors 218 may be used todetermine the number of trailers that are physically coupled to a truck.In such an implementation, for example, the presence detectors 218 maybe placed at a height corresponding to a height above ground at which atrailer may be carrying a load 107 of logs 106. The load 107 of logs 106being carried by a trailer may thereby be detected as the truck 202, 206transports the trailer across the pad 210. In implementations in whichthe first truck 202 carries a single trailer 204, then the presencedetectors 218 may indicate a continuous or near continuous presence ofan object within the field-of-view 220 of the presence detector 218 asthe first truck 202 transports the single trailer 204 across the pad210. In situations in which the a truck transports multiple trailers(e.g., as with second truck 206), the presence detectors 218 may detectthe gap 222 between the first trailer 208 a and the second trailer 208 bas the second truck 206 transports the two associated trailers 208 a,208 b across the pad 210. In such situations in which the truck 206pulls multiple trailers, the log scaling system 200 may modify the typesof measurements being taken. For example, in a multiple trailersituation, the log scaling system 200 may not provide a value related tolength of any of the logs 106. As such, the log scaling system 200 mayonly provide a value related to a diameter for one end of each log inthe first trailer 208 a and for one end of each log in the secondtrailer 208 b.

In some implementations, the log scaling system 200 may have multiplesets of imagers that may be selectively activated and/or deactivateddepending upon the number of trailers being pulled by a truck. Forexample, in the situation involving the second truck 206, the logscaling system 200 may selectively activate a third set of imagers 224located proximate the gap 222 between the first trailer 208 a and thesecond trailer 208 b. As such, the third set of imagers 224 may be usedto capture images of either or both ends of the logs 106 in the firsttrailer 208 a and/or the second trailer 208 b that are located proximatethe gap 222. In such an implementation, the log scaling system 200 maybe used to determine a length for each log 106 in the first trailer 208a and/or the second trailer 208 b.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show a first image 300 and a second image 302 capturedby respective imagers, in which the first image 300 is taken from theleft, rear portion of a plurality of logs 106 and in which the secondimage 302 is taken from the right, rear portion of the plurality of logs106, according to at least one illustrated implementation. One or moreof the logs 106 in the plurality of logs 106 may have an outer layer ofbark (e.g., a bark component 316), and an interior component for lumber(e.g., a lumber component 322). Each of the first image 300 and thesecond image 302 may have a height 304 and a width 306. The first image300 and the second image 302 be comprised of a plurality of pixels. Theplurality of pixels may be arranged in a plurality of rows that extendalong the respective heights 304 of the first image 300 and the secondimage 302, and a plurality of columns that extend along the respectivewidths 306 of the first image 300 and the second image 302.

Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, each of the first image 300 and the secondimage 302 may contain a depiction of a first end 110 of at least one ofthe logs 106 in the plurality of logs. In some implementations, thedepictions of at least some of the first ends 110 may be obstructed,such as shown, for example, with first obstructed log 308 in FIG. 3A andsecond obstructed log 310 in FIG. 3B. Preferably, the depictions of thefirst end 110 captured by the first image 300 and the second image 300includes at least one non-obstructed depiction of the first end 110 ofeach log 106 in the plurality of logs. In some implementations, thedepictions of the first end 110 captured by the first image 300 and thesecond image 300 includes at least one non-obstructed depiction of thefirst end 110 of substantially every log 106 in the plurality of logs(e.g., ninety percent, ninety-five percent, or more of the logs 106 inthe plurality of logs).

Referring to FIGS. 3C and 3D, each of the first image 350 and the secondimage 352 may contain a depiction of a second end 112 of at least one ofthe logs 106 in the plurality of logs. In some implementations, thedepictions of at least some of the second ends 112 may be obstructed,such as shown, for example, with first obstructed log 358 in FIG. 3C andsecond obstructed log 360 in FIG. 3C.

Preferably, the depictions of the second end 112 captured by the firstimage 350 and the second image 352 includes at least one non-obstructeddepiction of the second end 112 of each log 106 in the plurality oflogs. In some implementations, the depictions of the second end 112captured by the first image 350 and the second image 352 includes atleast one non-obstructed depiction of the second end 112 ofsubstantially every log 106 in the plurality of logs (e.g., ninetypercent, ninety-five percent, or more of the logs 106 in the pluralityof logs).

The first image 300 and the second image 302 may be used to determine adiameter value 312 for the first end 110 of one or more logs 106 in theplurality of logs. The diameter value 312 may correspond to the diameterof the first end 110 of the log 106 being depicted. In someimplementations, the diameter value 312 of a log 106 may be determinedbased on the number of pixels between opposing sides 314 a, 314 b of thelog 106. In some implementations, the diameter value 312 of a log 106may be based upon a maximum distance between opposing sides 314 a, 314 bof the log 106. As such, the maximum distance may be determined basedupon the number of pixels between the opposing sides 314 a, 314 b of thelog 106. In such implementations, each pixel in each of the first image300 and/or the second image 302 may correspond to a determined distance.Accordingly, the diameter value 312 may be determined based upon thenumber of pixels between the opposing sides 314 a, 314 b of the log 106.

In some implementations, the diameter value 312 may exclude any barkcomponent 316 located along the opposing sides 314 a, 314 b of the log106. In such implementations, for example, the interior portion of thefirst end 110 of the log 106 between the bark component 316 may beidentified and used to determine the diameter value 312 associated withthe lumber component 322 of the log 106. In some implementations, awidth value 324 may be determined between opposing outside edges of eachfirst end 110 of a log 106. A bark width value 326 may be determined insuch implementations for each of the opposing sides of the first end 110of the log 106 at which the width value 324 is determined. The barkwidth value 326 may be associated with a length of the bark component316 along a line that is used to measure the width value 324. Each ofthe bark width values 326 may be deducted from the width value 324 todetermine the diameter value 312 for the first end 110 of the log 106 inwhich the diameter value 312 is associated with the lumber component 322of the log 106.

In some implementations, the determined distance associated with eachpixel in the first image 300 and/or the second image 302 may be basedupon one or more characteristics of the respective first image 300 andthe second image 302. For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, the determineddistance for each pixel in the first image 300 may be based upon adistance between the imager used to capture the first image 300 and thefirst ends 110 of the logs 106 depicted in the first image 300. Forexample, the determined distance for each pixel may be relatively largerthe greater the distance between the imager used to capture the firstimage 300 and the first ends 110 of the logs 106 depicted in the firstimage 300. The distance between the imager used to capture the firstimage 300 and the first ends 110 of the logs 106 depicted in the firstimage 300 may be based, for example, upon a focal length of the imagerused to capture the first image 300. In some implementations, thedistance between the imager used to capture the first image 300 and thefirst ends 110 of the logs 106 depicted in the first image 300 may bebased upon a measurement taken by another device, such as the rangerfinder 134. In some implementations, the determined distance associatedwith each pixel may be based upon other considerations. For example, insome implementations, the determined distance may be based upon an angleat which the first end 110 of each log 106 is depicted. For example, insuch implementations, the greater angle at which the first end 110 isdepicted in the first image 300, the relatively greater the determineddistance for each pixel.

In some implementations, a plurality of width values may be determinedfor the distance between opposing sides of a log 106. For example, for anon-symmetrical log 328 (FIG. 3A), a first width value 332 may bedetermined between opposing sides of the non-symmetrical log 328 along asubstantially vertical axis, and a second width value 334 may bedetermined between opposing sides of the non-symmetrical log 328 along asubstantially horizontal axis. Additional width values may also be takenbetween opposing sides of the non-symmetrical log 328. The diametervalue for the non-symmetrical log 328 may be equal to either or acombination of the first width value 332 and/or the second width value334 and/or any other width values that are determined. For example, insome implementations, the diameter value for the non-symmetrical log 328may be equal to the greater of the first width value 332, the secondwidth value 334, and any other width values determined for thenon-symmetrical log 328. In some implementations, the diameter value forthe non-symmetrical log 328 may be equal to the average of the firstwidth value 332, the second width value 334, and any other width valuesdetermined for the non-symmetrical log 328.

Although the discussion above of FIGS. 3A and 3B describe the first end110 of the logs 106, the same techniques may be applied to depictions ofthe second end 112 of the logs 106 to obtain a diameter value for thesecond ends 112 of one or more of the logs 106 in the plurality of logs.

One or more of the logs 106 may include one or more machine-readablesymbols, such as a log-based machine-readable symbol 318 and/or aload-based machine-readable symbol 320. Such a machine-readable symbolmay be visual, such as a barcode symbol and/or a QR code symbol, and/orsuch a machine-readable symbol may be transmitted as part of a wirelesssignal, such as may occur, for example, using a RFID transmitter. Thelog-based machine-readable symbol 318 may be used to encode informationthat uniquely identifies each log 106 in the plurality of logs. In someimplementation, the log-based machine-readable symbol 318 may be used touniquely identify each log 106 within the plurality of logs. In someimplementations, the log-based machine-readable symbol 318 may alsoencode information related to the log 106, such tree-type informationthat identifies the type of tree for the log 106. The load-basedmachine-readable symbol 320 may be used to identify a set or pluralityof logs 106, such as, for example, the plurality of logs 106 beingtransported the trailer 104.

In another aspect of some implementations, the information captured inthe first image 300 and/or the second image 302 may be used to determinetree-type information that identifies the type of tree or species oftree for the log 106. In one or more such implementations, the firstimage 300 and/or the second image 302 determine the type of tree orspecies of tree for the log 106 by accessing a database of variousimages of types or species of trees and comparing the first image 300and/or the second image 302 against the images of types or species oftrees in the database and then using machine learning to match the firstimage 300 and/or the second image 302 to a known type or species of treein the database. In other implementations, other techniques are used toidentify the type of tree or species of tree for the log 106 from thefirst image 300 and/or the second image 302. In some implementations,the identification of the type or species of tree for the log 106 isused in the determination of the board-feet value or other value of thelog.

FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of a control system 400 that may be used bya customer, a provider, and/or a third party for scaling a plurality oflogs 106, according to at least one illustrated implementation. Such acontrol system 400 may be used, for example, as the processor-enabledcontroller 142 that may be communicatively coupled to one or more logscaling systems 100.

The control system 400 may take the form of any current or futuredeveloped computing system capable of executing one or more instructionsets. The control system 400 includes a processor 402, a system memory404 and a system bus 406 that communicably couples various systemcomponents including the system memory 404 to the processor 402. Thecontrol system 400 will at times be referred to in the singular herein,but this is not intended to limit the embodiments to a single system,since in certain embodiments, there will be more than one system orother networked computing device involved. Non-limiting examples ofcommercially available systems include, but are not limited to, an Atom,Pentium, or 80x86 architecture microprocessor as offered by IntelCorporation, a Snapdragon processor as offered by Qualcomm, Inc., aPowerPC microprocessor as offered by IBM, a Sparc microprocessor asoffered by Sun Microsystems, Inc., a PA-RISC series microprocessor asoffered by Hewlett-Packard Company, an A6 or A8 series processor asoffered by Apple Inc., or a 68xxx series microprocessor as offered byMotorola Corporation.

When so arranged as described herein, each processor 402 orprocessor-based computing device may be transformed from a generic andunspecific computing device to a combination device comprising hardwareand software configured for a specific and particular purpose. When soarranged as described herein, to the extent that any of the inventiveconcepts described herein are found by a body of competent adjudicationto be subsumed in an abstract idea, the ordered combination of elementsand limitations are expressly presented to provide a requisite inventiveconcept by transforming the abstract idea into a tangible and concretepractical application of that abstract idea.

In more detail, within the log scaling systems and methods discussed inthe present disclosure, log scaling calculations are generated in acomputing device in real time, and one or more values resulting fromsuch calculations may be communicated via a wired or wireless networksuch as the Internet. These innovative techniques described in thepresent disclosure are new and useful, and the innovation is notwell-known, routine, or conventional in the logging and log scalingindustry.

The innovation described herein may use some known building blockscombined in new and useful ways along with other structures andlimitations to create something more than has heretofore beenconventionally known. The embodiments improve on computing systemswhich, when un-programmed or differently programmed, cannot perform orprovide the specific log scaling features claimed herein. Theembodiments described in the present disclosure improve upon known logscaling processes and techniques. Furthermore, the combination of actsas described in conjunction with the present embodiments provides newinformation, motivation, and business results that are not alreadypresent when the acts are considered separately.

There is no prevailing, accepted definition for what constitutes anabstract idea. To the extent the concepts discussed in the presentdisclosure may be considered abstract, the claims present tangible,practical, and concrete applications of said allegedly abstractconcepts.

The embodiments described herein use computerized technology to improvethe technology of log scaling, but there other techniques and toolsremain available to scale logs. Therefore, the claimed subject matterdoes not foreclose the whole or even substantial log scalingtechnological area.

The processor 402 may be any logic processing unit, such as one or morecentral processing units (CPUs), microprocessors, digital signalprocessors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs),field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic controllers(PLCs), etc. In some implementations, some or all of the processor 402,the memory 404, and one or more other components discussed below may beincluded within a single integrated circuit, such as may occur, forexample, with a system on chip (SoC).

The system bus 406 can employ any known bus structures or architectures,including a memory bus with memory controller, a peripheral bus, and alocal bus. The system memory 404 includes read-only memory (“ROM”) 408and random access memory (“RAM”) 410. A basic input/output system(“BIOS”) 412, which can form part of the ROM 408, contains basicroutines that help transfer information between elements within thecontrol system 400, such as during start-up. Some implementations mayemploy separate buses for data, instructions and power.

The control system 400 also includes one or more internal nontransitorystorage systems 414. Such internal nontransitory storage systems 414 mayinclude, but are not limited to, any current or future developedpersistent storage device 416. Such persistent storage devices 416 mayinclude, without limitation, magnetic storage devices such as hard discdrives, electromagnetic storage devices such as memresistors, molecularstorage devices, quantum storage devices, electrostatic storage devicessuch as solid state drives, and the like.

The one or more internal nontransitory storage systems 414 communicatewith the processor 402 via the system bus 406. The one or more internalnontransitory storage systems 414 may include interfaces or devicecontrollers (not shown) communicably coupled between nontransitorystorage system and the system bus 406, as is known by those skilled inthe relevant art. The nontransitory storage systems 414 and associatedstorage devices 416 provide nonvolatile storage of computer-readableinstructions, data structures, program modules and other data for thecontrol system 400. Those skilled in the relevant art will appreciatethat other types of storage devices may be employed to store digitaldata accessible by a computer, such as magnetic cassettes, flash memorycards, RAMs, ROMs, smart cards, etc.

Program modules can be stored in the system memory 404, such as anoperating system 418, one or more application programs 420, otherprograms or modules 422, drivers 424 and program data 426. Theapplication programs 420 may be stored as one or more executableinstructions.

The application programs 420 may include, for example, one or moremachine executable instruction sets (i.e., diameter value instructionset 420 a) capable of determining a diameter value for one or more ofthe first end 110 and/or second end 112 of a log 106. In someimplementations, the diameter value instruction set 420 a may identifyopposing sides within a depiction of the first end 110/second end 112 ofthe log, such as a depiction captured by one or more imagers (e.g., rearimagers 116). The diameter value instruction set 420 a may determine thenumber of pixels that are between the identified opposing sides, and maydetermine and/or associate a distance with each pixel. As such, thediameter value instruction set 420 a may determine a diameter value bymultiplying the number of pixels between the opposing sides of the endof a log 106 by the distance associated with an individual pixel. Insome implementations, the diameter value instruction set 420 a maydetermine the distance associated with each pixel, based, for example,upon the distance between the imager that captured the depiction and theend of the log being depicted. Such a determination of distance may bebased, for example, upon the focal length of the imager.

The application programs 420 may include, for example, one or moremachine executable instruction sets (i.e., length value instruction set420 b) capable of determining a length value for one or more of the logs106 in the plurality of logs. Such a length value may be determined, forexample, based upon a depiction that shows the length 114 of a log 106between the first end 110 and the second end 112. Such a length may bebased, for example, upon the number of pixels between the first end 110and the second end 112. In some implementations, the length valueinstruction set 420 b may determine the relative positions of the firstend 110 and the second end 112 of the log 106, and use the relativepositions to determine the length value. In such an implementation, thedistance between the rear imagers 116 and the forward imagers 118 may bedetermined. In addition, the distance and position of the first end 110of the log 106 may be determined relative to the rear imagers 116 inwhich the relative position of the first end 110 of the log 106 isstored as a first location value. The distance and position of thesecond end 112 of the log 106 may be determined relative to the forwardimagers 118 in which the relative position of the second end 112 of thelog 106 is stored as a second location value. In some implementations,the relative positions and/or location values of the first end 110 andthe second end 112 of the log 106 may be used to determine the lengthvalue for the log 106.

The application programs 420 may include, for example, one or moremachine executable instruction sets (board-feet value instruction set420 c) capable of determining a board-feet value for one or more of thelogs 106 in the plurality of logs. In such an implementation, theboard-feet value instruction set 420 c may use one of the diameter valuefor at least one of the first end 110 and/or the second end 112 of thelog 106 as determined by diameter value instruction set 420 a, as wellas the length value determined for the log 106 by the length valueinstruction set 420 b, to determine the board-feet value for the log106. Such a board-feet value may be determined, for example, bymultiplying the lesser of the diameter values determined for the log 106by the length value determined for the log 106 to determine a productvalue. The resulting product value may then be compared to values in aboard-feet table to determine the board-feet value. Various types ofboard-feet tables may be used to determine the board-feet value,including, for example, the Scribner Decimal C Log Rule Table, the DoyleLog Scale, and the International Log Scale.

The application programs 420 may include, for example, one or moremachine executable instruction sets (log scaling instruction set 420 d)capable of creating, modifying, and storing data records that containinformation and/or data related to one or more of the logs 106. Suchdata records may include, for example, a log record 432 a, a load record432 b, and a distribution record 432 c, each of which may be stored inthe nontransitory storage systems 414 and/or in program data 426. Thelog record 432 a may include data and information related to a singlelog 106. Such information for each log 106 may include, for example, thelog identifier 434, a diameter value 312 determined by diameter valueinstruction set 420 a, a length value 438 determined by length valueinstruction set 420 b, a board-feet value 440 determined by board-feetinstruction set 420 c, one or more images that depict some or all of thelog 106 (e.g., the first end 110 and/or the second end 112 of the log106), and a tree type identifier 444 as encoded, for example, by thetree type machine-readable symbol 318 and that identifies the type oftree for the log 106.

Each load record 432 b may include information related to one or morelog records 432 a, such as first log record 432 a-1, second log record432 a-2, third log record 432 a-3, and fourth log record 432 a-4, thatcollectively form a load record 432 b. Each of the log records 432 a mayidentify logs 106 that are being transported by the same trailer 104. Insome implementations, the load record 432 b may store pointers to one ormore individual log records 432 a that indicate a set of logs 106 beingtransported by the trailer 104 and that together form a load 107. Insome implementations, the load record 432 b may include a loadidentifier 446 that may be used to uniquely identify the load 107 oflogs 106 being transported by the trailer 104.

Each distribution record 432 c may identify a plurality of logs 106 froma plurality of loads 107 of logs. Such a distribution record 432 c maybe used, for example, to fulfill an order for a specified board-feet oflumber that is to be distributed or shipped to a customer. Thedistribution record 432 c may be comprised, for example, by a set of oneor more log records 432 a that specify a plurality of logs 106. In someimplementations, the distribution record 432 c may be comprised of a setof information that identifies specific logs 106, such as pointers tolog records 434 a and/or a list of log identifiers 434.

In some implementations, one or more distribution records 432 c may beformed based upon an order received from a customer. For example, acustomer may request a certain amount of board-feet of lumber to bedelivered within a set period of time. The processor-enabled device mayaggregate logs 106 into a distribution load to meet the amount ofboard-feet requested by the customer. In some implementations, theprocessor-enabled device may take logs 106 from different loads 107(e.g., loads 107 from different trailers 104) and form a distributionload of logs 106 to fulfill an order. In some implementations, theprocessor-enable device may be filling multiple requests or orders forboard-feet of lumber, potentially from different customers. In such animplementation, the processor-enabled device may form multipledistribution records 432 c identifying multiple sets of logs 106, witheach distribution record 432 being associated with each order. In suchan implementation, the processor-enabled device may use differentcriteria for forming the multiple distribution loads of logs 106. Suchcriteria may include, for example, forming a distribution load that mostclosely matches the board-feet of lumber requested by a particularclient or clients. Such criteria may include, for example, forming themultiple distribution loads of logs 106 that provide a best fit for theboard-feet of logs 106 requested in a plurality of orders.

In some embodiments, the control system 400 operates in an environmentusing one or more of the network interfaces 428 to optionallycommunicably couple to one or more remote computers, servers, displaydevices, via one or more communications channels. These logicalconnections may facilitate any known method of permitting computers tocommunicate, such as through one or more LANs and/or WANs. Suchnetworking environments are well known in wired and wirelessenterprise-wide computer networks, intranets, extranets, and theInternet.

Further, local communication interface 430 may be used for establishingcommunications with other components in the log scaling system 100, suchas may occur, for example, when the control system 400 may be used tocommunicate with the rear imagers 116, the forward imagers 118, therange finders 134, and/or the wireless transceiver 138.

FIG. 5 shows method 500 for scaling a plurality of logs loaded onto oneor more transport trailers, according to at least one illustratedimplementation. The method 500 starts at 502, at which a processorenabled device, for example the control system 400 is activated to scaleone or more logs within a load 107 of logs 106. Such activation mayoccur, for example, automatically when a truck 102 and trailer 104 arepositioned along the scale 101. Such activation may occur, for example,based a driver or other operator input (e.g., pressing a “Start” button)to initiate the method 500.

At 504, an imager, such as rear imagers 116 a, 116 b, may capture afirst image depicting the first end 110 of one or more logs 106 beingtransported by a trailer 104. In some implementations, the first end 110of the one or more logs 106 may be located distal from the truck 102that is physically coupled to and pulling the trailer 104. The firstimage may be a digital image comprised of an array of pixels that arearranged within a plurality of rows and columns.

At 506, an imager, such as forward imagers 118 a, 118 b, may capture asecond image depicting the second end 112 of one or more logs 106 beingtransported by the trailer 104. In some implementations, the second end112 of the one or more logs 106 may be located proximate the truck 102that is physically coupled to and pulling the trailer 104. The secondimage may be a digital image comprised of an array of pixels that arearranged within a plurality of rows and columns.

At 508, a processor-enabled device, such as control system 400, maygenerate a log identifier 434 for one or more logs 106. In someimplementations, the log identifier 434 may uniquely identify each log106. In some implementations, the log identifier 434 may uniquelyidentify each log 106 within a plurality of logs as compared to only theother logs within the plurality of logs. In some implementations, thelog identifier 434 may be determined based upon information encoded orobtained from a log-based machine-readable symbol 318 that may bephysically coupled or otherwise associated with the log 106.

At 510, a processor-enabled device, such as control system 400, maygenerate a load identifier 442 in which one or more logs 106 areassociated as a load 107. The load identifier 442 may be used toidentify a set of logs 106 (e.g., a load) that is being transported by atrailer, such as, for example, the logs 106 being transported by thetrailer 104. The load identifier 442 may be determined based uponinformation encoded or obtained from one or more machine-readablesymbols that may be physically coupled or otherwise associated with oneor more logs 106, the trailer 104, and/or the truck 102. In someimplementations, the load identifier 442 may be generated by theprocessor-enabled device using, for example, a random number or symbolgenerator. In some implementations, the load identifier 442 may begenerated by the processor-enabled device sequentially or using someother defined method or system.

At 512, a processor-enable device, such as the control system 400,determines the diameter value 312 for one or more logs 106. In someimplementations, the diameter value 312 for a log may be based upon thedistance between opposing sides of the log 106 as shown in one or bothof the first image captured in 504 depicting the first end 110 of thelog 106 and the second image captured in 506 depicting the second end112 of the log 106. In such implementations, for example, the distancebetween opposing sides of the first end 110 and/or the second end 112 ofthe log may be based on the number of pixels separating the opposingsides. In such implementations, each pixel may be associated with adefined distance, such that the distance between opposing sides may bedetermined by multiplying the number of pixels separating the opposingsides by the defined distance for each pixel.

In some implementations, the processor-enabled device may determine thediameter value 312 for a log 106 based upon additional determinations ormeasurements. For example, in some implementations, theprocessor-enabled device may adjust the diameter value 312 based uponbark component 316. As such, the processor-enabled device may identifyan outer layer of bark for the log 106. In such an implementation, forexample, the processor-enabled device may determine the distance betweenopposing sides of the log 106 inclusive of the bark component 316, aswell as a bark-width value 326 for the bark component 316 of the log106. As such, the processor-enabled device may deduct the bark-widthvalue 326 from the distance between opposing sides of the log 106 todetermine the diameter value 312. As another example, theprocessor-enabled device may determine the diameter value 312 based uponmultiple measurements of distances between opposing sides, with eachmeasurement taken at a different orientation. Such an implementation maybe useful, for example, for logs 106 that are asymmetrically shaped. Assuch, the diameter value 312 may be based upon the greater or lesser ofthe plurality of distance measurements, upon the average or median ofthe plurality of distance measurements, or upon some otherdetermination.

At 514, processor-enable device, such as the control system 400,determines the length value 438 for one or more logs 106. In someimplementations, the length value 438 for a log 106 may be based upon adetermined distance between the first end 110 and the second end 112 ofthe log. In some implementations, the distance for the length value 438may be based upon an image that depicts an entire length 114 of the log106 between the first end 110 and the second end 112. In someimplementations, the distance for the length value 438 may be based upona first location value associated with the first end 110 of the log 106,and upon a second location value associated with the second end 112 ofthe log 106. Such location values may be based, for example, upon theposition of the first end 110 of the log 106 relative to the rearimagers 116, and/or upon the position of the second end 112 of the log106 relative to the forward imagers 118. Such relative positions for thefirst end 110 and/or the second end 112 may be based upon the focallength of the respective imagers, as well as the positioning andorientation of the rear imagers 116 and the forward imagers 118 whencapturing depictions of the first end 110 and/or the second end 112,respectively. The length value 438 may then be determined based upon thefirst location value for the first end 110 of the log 106 and upon thesecond location value for the second end 112 of the log 106.

At 516, a processor-enabled device, such as the control system 400, maydetermine a value, such as the board-feet value 440, for a log 106. Forexample, the board-feet value 440 may be determined by multiplying thediameter value 312 of the log 106 by the length value 438 of the log 106to determine a product value. The product value is then compared toentries in a board-feet chart to identify the corresponding board-feetvalue 440 for the log. In some implementations, the type of board-feetchart used to determine the board-feet value 440 may be based uponvarious criteria or considerations. For example, in someimplementations, the board-feet chart may be based at least in part onthe type of tree that comprises the log 106. Such a tree type may beincluded, for example, within the encoded information contained withinthe log-based machine-readable symbol 318. The processor-enabled devicemay determine additional and/or alternative values to associate with thelog 106.

At 518, a processor-enabled device, such as the control system 400, mayform a distribution load of logs 106 to be shipped or transported to acustomer, for example. The distribution load of logs may be specified ina distribution record 432 c and may be comprised, for example, of one ormore logs 106. Each of the logs 106 in the distribution load of logs 106may be identified by a log identifier 434. In some implementations, thedistribution record 432 c may be comprised of a plurality of log records434 a. In some implementations, the distribution record 432 c may becomprised of a set of information that identifies specific logs 106,such as pointers to log records 434 a and/or a list of log identifiers434.

In some implementations, one or more distribution loads of logs 106 maybe formed based upon an order received from a customer. For example, acustomer may request a certain amount of board-feet of lumber to bedelivered within a set period of time. The processor-enabled device mayaggregate logs 106 into a distribution load to meet the amount ofboard-feet requested by the customer. In some implementations, theprocessor-enabled device may take logs 106 from different loads 107(e.g., loads 107 from different trailers) and form a distribution loadof logs 106 to fulfill an order. In some implementations, theprocessor-enable device may be filling multiple requests for board-feetof lumber, potentially from different customers. In such animplementation, the processor-enabled device may form multipledistribution loads of logs 106, with each distribution load of logs 106being associated with each order. In such an implementation, theprocessor-enabled device may use different criteria for forming themultiple distribution loads of logs 106. Such criteria may include, forexample, forming a distribution load that most closely matches theboard-feet of lumber requested by a particular client or clients. Suchcriteria may include, for example, forming the multiple distributionloads of logs 106 that provide a best fit for the board-feet of logs 106requested in a plurality of orders.

At 520, the method 500 terminates, for example until invoked again.

Alternatively, the method 500 may repeat continuously or repeatedly, ormay execute as multiple instances of a multi-threaded process.

FIG. 6 shows another method 600 for scaling a plurality of logs,according to at least one illustrated implementation. As describedherein, the “left side” refers to a first end of the logs 106 and the“right side” refers to the other end of the logs 106. In this manner,the “left side” and “right side” of the logs 106 provide desirableplacement to image the diameters of the logs 106. This method 600employs a processor enabled device, for example the control system 400,which activates to scale one or more logs within a load 107 of logs 106.In one or more embodiments of this method, beginning with the left sidedata acquisition and processing, at 610, the left side sensor is movedinto position to acquire log scaling data. Next, at 612, Lidar data frommultiple Lidar images is acquired from the left side of the load 107 oflogs 106. At 614, the Lidar data from multiple Lidar images on the leftside is processed and stitched. Additionally, at 616, stereo data isacquired from the left side of the load 107 of logs 106. Next, at 618,the stereo color and depth images from the left side are processed.

The method 600 continues at 620, where depth images from both Lidar andstereo on the left side are fused together. At 622, log locations on theleft side are detected and the log count is determined. Next, at 624,the load 107 of logs 106 is segmented and the diameters (e.g., long &short axes) of the logs 106 are measured on the left side. Notably, inother implementations of the log scaling system and method, otherimaging and/or sensor techniques are used instead of or in addition tothe Lidar and stereo methods described above.

Referring now to the right side data acquisition and processing, at 630,the right side sensor is moved into position to acquire log scalingdata. Notably, in some embodiments, the left side sensor and the rightside sensor are both placed prior to measurements and images beingacquired. In other embodiments, the measurements and images beingacquired from the left side and right side occur sequentially. Inembodiments where the measurements and images being acquired from theleft side and right side occur sequentially, the left side sensor andthe right side sensor may be the same sensor. Next, at 632, Lidar datafrom multiple Lidar images is acquired from the right side of the load107 of logs 106. At 634, the Lidar data from multiple Lidar images onthe right side is processed and stitched. Additionally, at 636, stereodata is acquired from the right side of the load 107 of logs 106. Next,at 638, the stereo color and depth images from the right side areprocessed.

The method 600 continues at 640, where depth images from both Lidar andstereo on the right side are fused together. At 622, log locations onthe right side are detected and the log count is determined. Next, at624, the load 107 of logs 106 is segmented and the diameters (e.g., long& short axes) of the logs 106 are measured on the right side.

At 650, the method includes merging measurement from the left sidesensor and the right side sensor. At 654, the method includes matchingthe logs 106 between the left side end and the right side end. At 658,the method includes computing the length of the logs 106. Finally, at660, the method includes displaying the results of the log scaling dataacquisition and analysis.

At least some of the equipment discussed in the present disclosurecomprises hardware and associated software. For example, the typicalelectronic device is likely to include one or more processors andsoftware executable on those processors to carry out the operationsdescribed. The term software is used herein in its commonly understoodsense to refer to programs or routines (subroutines, objects, plug-ins,etc.), as well as data, usable by a machine or processor. As is wellknown, computer programs generally comprise instructions that are storedin machine-readable or computer-readable storage media. Some embodimentsof the present disclosure may include executable programs orinstructions that are stored in machine-readable or computer-readablestorage media, such as a digital memory. No implication is made that a“computer” in the conventional sense is required in any particularembodiment. For example, various processors, embedded or otherwise, maybe used in equipment such as the components described herein.

In some embodiments, memory associated with a given processor may bestored in the same physical device as the processor (“on-board” memory);for example, RAM or FLASH memory disposed within an integrated circuitmicroprocessor or the like. In other examples, the memory comprises anindependent device, such as an external disk drive, storage array, orportable FLASH key fob. In such cases, the memory becomes “associated”with the digital processor when the two are operatively coupledtogether, or in communication with each other, for example by an I/Oport, network connection, and the like, such that the processor can reada file stored on the memory. Associated memory may be “read only” bydesign (ROM) or by virtue of permission settings, or not. Other examplesinclude but are not limited to WORM, EPROM, EEPROM, FLASH, etc. Thosetechnologies often are implemented in solid state semiconductor devices.Other memories may comprise moving parts, such as a conventionalrotating disk drive. All such memories are “machine readable” or“computer-readable” and may be used to store executable instructions forimplementing the functions described herein.

A “software product” refers to a memory device in which a series ofexecutable instructions are stored in a machine-readable form so that asuitable machine or processor, with appropriate access to the softwareproduct, can execute the instructions to carry out a process implementedby the instructions. Software products are sometimes used to distributesoftware. Any type of machine-readable memory, including withoutlimitation those summarized herein, may be used to make a softwareproduct. That said, it is also known that software can be distributedvia electronic transmission (“download”), in which case there typicallywill be a corresponding software product at the transmitting end of thetransmission, or the receiving end, or both.

The various embodiments described above may be combined to providefurther embodiments. From the foregoing it will be appreciated that,although specific embodiments have been described herein for purposes ofillustration, various modifications may be made without deviating fromthe spirit and scope of the teachings. Accordingly, the claims are notlimited by the disclosed embodiments.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method to scale pluralities of logsloaded on one or more transport trailers, each log of the pluralities oflogs having a first end and a second end separated by a length of therespective log, the method comprising: for each of the one or moretransport trailers, capturing, by a first imager, a first image of theplurality of logs, the first image including a depiction of the firstend of each log of the plurality of logs; capturing, by a second imager,a second image of the plurality of logs, the second image including adepiction of the second end of each log of the plurality of logs; andwith at least one processor: generating a load identifier for each loadof logs on a respective one of the one or more transport trailers;generating a log identifier for each log of the plurality of logs;determining a first diameter value for the first end of each log basedupon the depiction of the first end of each respective log in the firstimage; determining a second diameter value for the second end of eachlog based upon the depiction of the second end of each respective log inthe second image; determining, based at least in part upon one of thefirst and second diameter values, a product value for each log of theplurality of logs in each of the one or more transport trailers, theproduct value being determined using a log length and at least one ofthe first diameter value and the second diameter value; storing, in adatabase, the first and second images associated with each of the one ormore transport trailers, the load identifier for each load of logs, thelog identifier for each log of the plurality of logs, the first andsecond diameter values associated with each log of the plurality of logsin each of the one or more transport trailers, and the product value foreach log of the plurality of logs in each of the one or more transporttrailers; accumulating a plurality of product values to form a load oflogs for distribution; and grouping a plurality of identifiers to form adistribution load, the plurality of identifiers drawn from the logidentifiers and load identifiers stored in the database, thedistribution load representing an accumulation of product values withina determined acceptable range of a targeted total product value.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising: determining, by the at least oneprocessor, a length value for at least one log, wherein determining theproduct value for the at least one log is based at least in part upon atleast one of the determined first and second diameter values and uponthe determined length value of the at least one log.
 3. The method ofclaim 2, further comprising: capturing, by a second imager, a secondimage of the plurality of logs, the second image including a depictionof the second end of the at least one log in the plurality of logs,wherein determining the length value further includes determining thelength value for the at least one log based at least upon the firstimage and the second image.
 4. The method of claim 2, furthercomprising: transmitting a first signal towards the first end of theplurality of logs; receiving a first reflected signal resulting from areflection of the first signal off of the first end of the at least onelog; determining, by the at least one processor, a first location valuefor the first end of the at least one log; transmitting a second signaltowards the second end of the plurality of logs; receiving a secondreflected signal resulting from a reflection of the second signal off ofthe second end of the at least one log; and determining, by the at leastone processor, a second location value for the second end of the atleast one log, wherein determining the length value of the at least onelog is based at least in part on the first location value and the secondlocation value.
 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receivinga first signal that includes a first identifier, the first identifierwhich is associated with the at least one log, wherein generating thelog identifier for each log of the plurality of logs is based at leastin part upon the first identifier; storing, by the at least oneprocessor, a first data record on a computer readable medium, the firstdata record that includes at least the first identifier and thedetermined product value for the at least one log; and transmitting asecond signal that includes the first data record.
 6. The method ofclaim 5, wherein receiving the first signal further includes receiving afirst wireless signal transmitted from a first wireless tag that isphysically coupled to the at least one log, the first wireless signalencoding the first identifier, wherein receiving the first signalfurther includes receiving one or more signals representative of animage-based machine-readable symbol that appears on the at least one logand that encodes the first identifier associated with the at least onelog.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one log is comprisedof a lumber component and an outer bark component, and whereindetermining the diameter value for the at least one log furtherincludes: determining a total width value for the at least one log;determining a bark width value for the at least one log using the atleast first image, the bark width value which is based on the outer barkcomponent; and determining the diameter value for the at least one logbased at least in part on the total width value and the bark width valuefor the at least one log.
 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising:receiving tree-type information related to the at least one log, thetree-type information identifying one out of a plurality of types oftrees, wherein determining the product value for the at least one log isfurther based upon the tree-type information.
 9. The method of claim 1,further comprising: determining tree-type information related to the atleast one log from one or more of the first and second images, thetree-type information identifying one out of a plurality of types oftrees, wherein determining the product value for the at least one log isfurther based upon the tree-type information.